It all started with the 1966 film, "Georgy Girl," which I'd been watching on television (NBC's 'Saturday Night at the Movies') in the late 60's.
Though Bates is unrelentingly adorable and roguish throughout the movie, one sequence in particular is burned into my brain: it's when he is running after Georgy through a rainstorm, declaring his love.
And when he gets to the apartment, he begins to walk towards the camera, calling out to her while stripping off his clothes -- down to his soaking wet tightey whities!
That sight of Mr. Bates in his underwear became the central image in the fantasies of a 12-year old boy who had no idea what being "gay" even meant.
The rest, as they say, is history..."
Victor - Chicago, Illinois
__________________________________________________
Click here - "Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay" book
Click here - "Born This Way Blog""
Click to follow my blog with Bloglovin' Tweet Me!
